John Calipari opens up on Jai Lucas departure, comments on rumor he fired former assistant

On Friday, Kentucky assistant basketball coach Jai Lucas left the Wildcats to take a position as an assistant on Jon Scheyer’s initial staff with the Duke Blue Devils. But on Monday, Kentucky head coach John Calipari provided additional insight on Lucas’ departure, and addressed whether or not he fired the former assistant before he took his new position.

“First of all, I did not fire Jai and I did not force him out and I wish him well,” Calipari said, via KSR’s Tyler Thompson. “This is what he thinks is best for his program and I absolutely wish him well. We all should.”

Calipari’s comments on Lucas come after he believed that some thought that he forced Lucas out. He wanted to clarify that was indeed not the case, leading to today’s comments.

“John Calipari says he came on Issel and Pratt’s show because he doesn’t want fans thinking that he fired Jai Lucas or forced him out,” Thompson said.

Calipari also gave an update on the search to replace Lucas, saying that Kentucky is simply looking for someone that can bring value to the program and to the players specifically.

“Whoever it is, they’ve got to add value,” said Calipari. “They’ve got to show me how they’ve added value to players.”

Prior to becoming an assistant at Kentucky, Lucas was an assistant for four years at Texas from 2016 to 2020. He played college basketball at Florida from 2007-2008, and also with the Longhorns from 2009-2011.

Calipari supports Lucas taking the job at Duke

When the news initially broke of Lucas leaving Kentucky for Duke, Calipari took to Twitter to release a statement on his assistant’s departure. Calipari supports Lucas in his decision, saying that he is doing what’s best for him and his family, which the Kentucky head coach respects.

“Yesterday, Jai informed me he was taking a promotion at another school,” Calipari wrote. “I asked where and when he told me Duke, he expected me to be mad. I support what he thinks is best for his family. He’s been loyal, terrific on the road and great for our players, and I want what’s best for him, so I’m good with it.

“I am not surprised that there was interest in Jai because there is always interest in our staff. This year, all of our assistants have been approached about other opportunities. When you have a great staff, that’s what happens!”

Kentucky is coming off of a 26-8 season, but the Wildcats lost in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament to Saint Peter’s.